Scallops

The Japanese Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) is the main species farmed in British Columbia. It has a sweet flavour and a firm, lean texture.

There are several species of native wild scallops in British Columbia: the Weathervane Scallop (Patinopecten caurinus), Rock Scallop (Crassadoma gigantea), Pink Scallop (Chlamys rubida) and the Spiny Scallop (Chlamys hastata). The population of these species is insufficient to support a commercial fishery or seed collection for farming. Although the potential for hatchery production for these species exists, growth rates of these native species are slow and present a barrier to feasible farming operations.

Japanese Scallop seed is hatchery produced for grow-out operations in Georgia Strait and the west coast of Vancouver Island. There is also a hybrid of the Weathervane and Japanese scallops that is farmed in British Columbia.